Roll up! The circus has come to town
ROLL up! Roll up! the circus is in town and the Watermill’s production of Barnum is an absolutely thrilling treat.
It all begins in the Bagnor theatre’s delightful gardens, with a circus ring festooned by fairy lights creating a magical atmosphere.
There are also stalls selling hot dogs and popcorn, with circus music playing in the background.
On this night, the inclement weather forced the pre-show fun to be curtailed, but there were jugglers and musicians who led us into the auditorium... and what a visual delight awaited us.
Lee Newby’s design created a circus ring complete with red and white stripes and stars and three trapezists ‘warming up’ high above the stage.
PT Barnum has a dream of becoming the greatest showman on Earth and is outstandingly played by Matt Rawle with energy, sparkle and charisma.
Barnum was really a conman and an expert in the “noble art of humbug” as the opening number There is a SuckerBorn Every Minute expounds.
His loving wife Charity, delightfully played by Monique Young, is the perfect foil to providing a steadying influence on Barnum as his wild ideas of creating a museum filled with oddities becomes a reality.
The immensely talented 18-strong cast not only act and perform amazing circus skills, but also play umpteen musical instruments including a sousaphone under the musical direction of Josh Barnett.
He brings Cy Colemans music with lyrics by Michael Stewart vibrantly to life and also plays a dashing ringmaster.
Life becomes more complicated when Barnum brings Jenny Lind to perform. Penny Ashmore has a soaring soprano voice and accompanies herself on the Welsh harp but this love triangle between the Barnums and her creates tension.
Closing act one Rawle crosses the stage on a high tightrope, a heart in your mouth moment, which received tremendous applause as he successfully reached the end.
Come Follow the Band is the rousing big band number that starts act two and it’s a dazzling showbiz triumph.
With inventive direction by Johnathan O’Boyle and skilful, energetic choreography by Oti Mabuse of BBC Strictly fame, this production leaves you wanting more.
Not to be missed!
